Even with Carson closed, hiking options abound
Plus, a preview of summer hiking
It’s been a week since the Carson National Forest closed, and like many other people in the community, I respect the decision to close it due to the dry conditions and high fire danger. We are all thinking of those in neighboring communities who have lost their homes or had to evacuate, as well as the forest animals that have been forced from their homes.
Although outdoor enthusiasts respect the need to close the forest, for those of us who were hiking and otherwise recreating in the Carson on a regular basis as a way to stay healthy, the forest closure has been a difficult loss.
Happily, some public areas, including those overseen by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) remain open — with fire restrictions in place. There may be places to walk in your own neighborhood to get some of the benefits of being in the forest. As we try to find ways to get outside until the forest reopens, here are some thoughts on how to get ready for summer hiking in and around Taos and where to hike now.
Fire restrictions on public lands
The smoke from the Hermits Peak–Calf Canyon Fire billowing over the mountains to the east and a recent in-town fire are all the reminders we need that we’ve had too little moisture since the snow stopped.
On May 19, the Carson entered Stage 3 fire restrictions, which means it is closed. No one is permitted to enter the Carson and there are substantial fines and other penalties for those who do not comply. As conditions change, there may be updated information on fire restrictions and closures; check before you go and follow all current rules.
“The decision was made to close the forest due to the extreme fire danger,” said Stefanie Spencer, temporary public information officer on the Carson (Zach Behrens has since become the full-time officer). “It was historic how early, how extreme, and how fast the fire danger grew. The forest closure is to prevent any unintended fires. Any spark right now could be catastrophic. The decision to close the forest is not taken lightly. We know how important it is for people to use their public lands. It’s important for recreation and tourism.”
She expressed appreciation for public understanding and compliance with the closure.
Spencer explained that the decision to reopen the forest will be made in consultation with local fire experts and meteorologists after determining that the fire danger has been sufficiently reduced. “The goal is to get the forest back open as soon as possible,” she said.
Fire restrictions were placed on BLM land at the end of April, prohibiting visitors from building campfires, or using charcoal, coal or wood stoves. Stoves with pressurized liquid or gas fuel are permitted in some circumstances. Additional restrictions on target shooting were
added in May. Before venturing out hiking, fishing or camping on BLM lands, check for any updated restrictions.
The lands managed by the BLM are close to the Rio Grande and other rivers. Favorite spots to visit are Little and Big Arsenic in the Wild Rivers area near Questa. Other nearby areas south of town are the Rift Valley and The Slide Trail. Camping is open along the Rio Grande near Pilar.
“The BLM is watching all nearby wildfires and will follow the guidance of incident commanders to ensure the health and safety of public lands visitors. All public land users should remain informed of closures and fire activity by visiting the nmfireinfo.com or inciweb.nwcg.gov websites prior to recreational activities,” said Jillian Aragon, BLM public affairs specialist.
Bureau of Land Management areas are generally at lower altitudes and heat up as Memorial Day approaches. Get an early start or consider sunset walks. If conditions permit, the BLM may schedule guided hikes and other events later this summer.
Summer rains
The monsoon season usually begins in July and continues into August. Monsoon season is characterized by blue-sky mornings and stormy afternoons, often with lightning, thunder and hail at higher elevations. Plan to be off exposed peaks and ridges above tree line before noon.
Dr. Dave DuBois, professor at New Mexico State University, director of New Mexico Climate Center, and state climatologist has been looking ahead at seasonal weather predictions. He said that through May and June, below average precipitation is expected for most of New Mexico. A storm system this week helped bring light rain, higher humidity and even some snow at higher elevations, a small help for fighting the fires. Looking ahead to July and beyond, DuBois observed that the Climate Prediction Center is projecting that most of New Mexico has an equal chance of being wet or dry. “While that may not sound very encouraging, it is actually a good sign. The prediction doesn’t say that it will be dry,” said DuBois. He points out that southeastern Arizona is predicted to have above average precipitation and that those storms sometimes migrate into New Mexico.
The weather models don’t predict timing for the coming of the monsoons, but within the next few weeks meteorologists will be looking for a pattern of moisture moving this way from northern Mexico.
Where to hike
(with the Carson closed)
LITTLE AND BIG ARSENIC AT WILD RIVERS
The Wild Rivers area near Questa is open for hiking, including the Little Arsenic Trail down to the Rio Grande. Local hiker Ted Schupbach said of a recent visit “This is not a super long trail. Some of the nice elements are the rock walls and the ponderosa pines in the middle section and by the river. If you go down river, there is a campground area with covered shelters and picnic tables. Upstream you can get to the actual springs that smell like the arsenic springs at Ojo Caliente. The river has cool rapids and kayakers make trips down from Bear Crossing and can be fun to watch.”
Little Arsenic Trail can be combined with Big Arsenic Trail, which includes petroglyphs.
THE SLIDE TRAIL
The Slide Trail can be accessed either from the trailhead at the end of County Road 110 past the golf course or from parking near the Taos Junction Bridge.
It is a round trip of about 2.6 miles and gains 700 feet in elevation. The trail has views down to the Rio Pueblo and goes to the confluence of the Rio Pueblo and the Rio Grande at its lowest point. This trail used to be a road until a rockslide closed it in 1993.
For more information
Carson National Forest: 575-758-6200; website fs.usda.gov/carson.
BLM Field Office: 575-758-8851; website blm.gov/office/taos-field-office. Information is available on Facebook and Twitter by using @nmfireinfo.